The Boston Globe published a bombshell
expose on Friday accusing more than two dozen professionals in the fashion
industry, among them legendary photographer Patrick Demarchelier, of sexual
misconduct.

The paper's Spotlight team, which in 2002 unveiled widespread sexual
abuse
by Catholic priests in Boston, said more than 50 models had detailed alleged
misconduct they had experienced, from touching to assault.
Collectively, they made credible claims against at least 25
photographers,
agents, stylists, casting directors and other industry professionals, the
Globe reported.

They include Demarchelier, fellow photographer Greg Kadel, who has
worked
for Victoria's Secret and Vogue, and stylist Karl Templer, who has worked
with
Coach, Zara, and Tommy Hilfiger.

The Globe said all of those accused had denied the allegations
against them.
Nevertheless, glossy magazine empire Conde Nast, whose company includes
Vogue, had said it has stopped working for now with Demarchelier and Kadel.
The Globe said one of Demarchelier's former assistants complained about
relentless sexual demands, to which she eventually submitted, fearing that
she
would otherwise endanger her position.

Six other women accused the now 74-year-old Frenchman of unwanted
advances,
including thrusting a model's hands onto her genitals and grabbing another
model's breasts, the Globe said.
Demarchelier did not immediately respond to an AFP request to comment.
He was quoted by the Globe as saying the complaints against him were
untrue.
"People lie and they tell stories," he said.

The sexual harassment watershed engulfing the United States has
already
rocked the fashion industry, with allegations of misconduct seeing
photographers Terry Richardson, Mario Testino and Bruce Weber barred from
collaborating with Conde Nast.

The magazine empire has issued a new "Code of Conduct" to include
bans on
alcohol on sets and the use of models under the age of 18 without a
chaperone
present. Nudity or "sexually suggestive" poses are to be agreed on
beforehand.
The Globe said some models wanted to expose serial predators while others
wanted new legal protections and radical reform in an industry they say left
them feeling exploited. (AFP)